You will be six years old in a few weeks. Up until today, if anyone asked you what you wanted to be when you grew up, you always said, “A Mom.” Bear would always try to tell you that you could be a mom and something else, but you just wanted to be a mom.

Tonight, after you were tucked in, you came into Bear’s room (where I was reading her a story). That’s nothing new. You get out of bed all the time. But this time was different. Your head hung low, and you were wearing a very sad expression. With a quivering voice, you explained, “Mom. I don’t want to be a mommy.”

I told you that you didn’t have to be a mommy, and that you had a long time before you had to worry about it, but you just kept repeating, “I don’t want to be a mom.” I asked if you wanted to get married some day. You said, “No.” I asked if you wanted your own family some day. Your bottom lip drooped some more, tears started down your face, and you said, “I want to be in this family. I don’t want my own family.”

I gave you a huge hug and explained that you would always be a part of our family. “Forever. No matter what. I don’t live with my mommy and daddy anymore, but they are still my family. When you get big and start your own family, you still get to keep your old family.” You smiled, said, “Okay,” and went back to bed.

A few minutes later, you began sobbing. I went to check on you, and you sobbed louder. “I don’t want to be a mommy.” “Okay,” I explained. You don’t have to be a mommy. Why are you worried about this?”

After a moment’s pause, you burst into tears again and said, “I don’t know how to cook!”

Oh, Boo. You sweet girl. You are only five, and you are already worried about not knowing how to be a grown up.

Our conversation continued with me explaining that I didn’t know how to cook when I was your age, either. You burst into a smile. “You didn’t?!!”

Before singing you to sleep, I got to explain how we learn things a little bit at a time, and as we’re ready, we learn to do harder and harder things.

After I left your room, I thought a lot about our conversation. I’m so grateful to know that through the atonement of Jesus Christ, you, your daddy, and your sisters are mine forever. If we work hard and follow the commandments, we will be a family forever. (And when you get big, and have your own family, they’ll be a part of our family forever, too.)

I’m also grateful that we get to learn things a little bit at a time. Heavenly Father won’t give us any challenge that is too hard for us to handle. Heavenly Father promises us this in The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Christ, Nephi 3:7:

And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them.

And in Ether 12:27 (Also from the Book of Mormon)

And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.

So, fear not. Don’t worry about what you can’t do. When it’s time for you to do hard things, you will be ready. That’s a promise. Heavenly Father won’t give you any challenges that you aren’t strong enough to face. And you are strong! We’ll work on the cooking thing in a few years. Promise.

Love, Mom

So, why did I share this on Mother’s Day? I want all of you women to know that the message in the Book of Mormon applies to you, too. I know you all face challenges–big and small. The challenges you are facing right now might feel insurmountable. I promise you: You are not alone. I know that there is no challenge too difficult for you to face. Our Heavenly Father is waiting and ready to help you. All you have to do is ask.

Have a fantastic day, everyone!

If you are wondering about either of the projects from the picture, they can be found here: